State Rep. Brandon Phelps resigns, citing health

HARRISBURG -- Democratic State Rep. Brandon Phelps, of Harrisburg, resigned from the Illinois House of Representatives on Friday, citing health reasons.

Late Friday afternoon, Phelps released the following statement.

"It has been my honor to serve the people of the 118th District as their state representative. I have worked to represent Southern Illinois to the best of my ability.

"Together in bipartisan manner, we worked to pass concealed carry, protect our state's transportation funding, support our state's agriculture, save 911 services, and expand the use of coal, oil and gas for our region.

"Since day one, I've given it everything I have, because our communities deserve a strong voice to speak up for our values and protect our way of life. Now in the interest of my personal health, it is my intention to step down effective today, Sept. 1.

"I want to thank all of those who worked alongside me, both in our communities and in our Capitol, as well as all my friends and loved ones. It has been my privilege to serve the people of the 118th District. My heart will always reside in Southern Illinois."

A Democratic caucus made up of representatives from each of the counties in the 118th District will meet to appoint a successor, Saline County Democratic Party Chairman Bob Oglesby said. No date was given on Friday.